Paducah commissioners approve purchase of 3047 Jackson Street for future police station, contingent on environmental review

The Paducah Board of Commissioners on Oct. 2 approved a municipal order authorizing the city to purchase property at 3047 Jackson Street for a planned future police station.

Chief Brian Laird told the board the city had negotiated for the site for several months and that the current police facility is undersized and in poor condition. Commissioners and staff described the Jackson Street parcel as well-sited near the golf course and Paducah Middle School and suitable for future expansion.

The municipal order was approved with recorded roll-call votes. The approval is contingent on the results of a completed appraisal and environmental review; the chief confirmed a phase‑1 environmental assessment began the week prior to the meeting. The city attorney and staff said they would not complete the purchase if appraisals or environmental testing produced findings that would deter the transaction.

Vote: The roll call recorded votes in favor from Commissioner Henderson, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Wilson and Mayor George Peabrey. The vote outcome was approved.

Why it matters: City staff said the existing police facility requires multi‑million‑dollar repairs and no longer meets space needs. Officials said the Jackson Street site provides acreage to plan a modern facility and anticipated long-term community benefits.

Next steps: Complete appraisal and environmental assessments; proceed to closing only if appraisals and environmental reports are acceptable. Project planning and future site uses for adjacent parcels (including a potential future fire station) were discussed as long-range possibilities.